Hold Off On That Cleaning Binge

January 30, 2000|By William Hageman, Tribune Staff Writer.

There may be some money in your child's messy room. And we don't just mean that loose change under a pile of dirty socks in the corner.

Ace Hardware is sponsoring the America's Messiest Room Contest, with a grand prize winner receiving a makeover of their messy room from a professional space consultant and organizing supplies worth up to $5,000, along with a $5,000 Ace gift certificate. Nine runners-up will receive a $500 Ace gift certificate.

Contest judges include John Madden, the rumpled Fox Sports broadcaster and Ace commercial pitchman, and Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey, who as parents of septuplets know a thing or two about trying to stay organized.

To enter, contestants need to send a photo of their messiest, most unorganized room -- there are 11 categories: child bedroom, adult bedroom, garage, kitchen, basement, attic, home office, workroom, playroom, closet or dorm room -- and a 25-word explanation of how getting the room organized will help them deal with the new millennium.

Pictures and descriptions must be postmarked no later than Feb. 29 and mailed to America's Messiest Room Contest, 625 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60611. Official contest rules can be found at www.acehardware.com.